A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Corinthians 2

Not with excellency of speech or of wisdom (ου καθ' υπεροχην λογου η σοφιας). Hυπεροχη is an old word from the verb υπερεχω and means preeminence, rising above. In N.T. only here and 1 Timothy 2:2 of magistrates. It occurs in inscriptions of Pergamum for persons of position (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 255). Here it means excess or superfluity, "not in excellence of rhetorical display or of philosophical subtlety" (Lightfoot).

The mystery of God (το μυστηριον του θεου). So Aleph A C Copt. like 2:7, but B D L P read μαρτυριον like 1:6. Probably

mystery is correct. Christ crucified is the mystery of God (Colossians 2:2). Paul did not hesitate to appropriate this word in common use among the mystery religions, but he puts into it his ideas, not those in current use. It is an old word from μυεω, to close, to shut, to initiate . This mystery was once hidden from the ages (Colossians 1:26), but is now made plain in Christ (1 Corinthians 2:7; Romans 16:25f.). The papyri give many illustrations of the use of the word for secret doctrines known only to the initiated (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary).

For I determined not to know anything among you (ου γαρ εκρινα τ ειδενα εν υμιν). Literally, "For I did not decide to know anything among you." The negative goes with εκρινα, not with τ. Paul means that he did not think it fit or his business to know anything for his message beyond this "mystery of God."

Save Jesus Christ (ε μη Ιησουν Χριστον). Both the person and the office (Lightfoot). I had no intent to go beyond him and in particular,

and him crucified (κα τουτον εσταυρωμενον). Literally,

and this one as crucified (perfect passive participle). This phase in particular (1:18) was selected by Paul from the start as the centre of his gospel message. He decided to stick to it even after Athens where he was practically laughed out of court. The Cross added to the σχανδαλον of the Incarnation, but Paul kept to the main track on coming to Corinth.

I was with you (εγενομην προς υμας). Rather, "I came to you" (not ην, was). "I not only eschewed all affectation of cleverness or grandiloquence, but I went to the opposite extreme of diffidence and nervous self-effacement" (Robertson and Plummer). Paul had been in prison in Philippi, driven out of Thessalonica and Beroea, politely bowed out of Athens. It is a human touch to see this shrinking as he faced the hard conditions in Corinth. It is a common feeling of the most effective preachers. Cool complacency is not the mood of the finest preaching. See φοβος (fear) and τρομος (trembling) combined in 2 Corinthians 7:15; Php 2:12; Ephesians 6:5.

Not in persuasive words of wisdom (ουκ εν πιθοις σοφιας λογοις). This looks like a false disclaimer or mock modesty, for surely the preacher desires to be persuasive. This adjective πιθος (MSS. πειθος) has not yet been found elsewhere. It seems to be formed directly from πειθω, to persuade, as φειδος (φιδος) is from φειδομα, to spare. The old Greek form πιθανος is common enough and is used by Josephus (Ant. VIII. 9. 1) of "the plausible words of the lying prophet" in 1Ki 13. The kindred word πιθανολογια occurs in Col 2:4 for the specious and plausible Gnostic philosophers. And gullible people are easy marks for these plausible pulpiteers. Corinth put a premium on the veneer of false rhetoric and thin thinking.

But in demonstration (αλλ' εν αποδειξε). In contrast with the

plausibility just mentioned. This word, though an old one from αποδεικνυμ, to show forth, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament.

Spirit (πνευμα) here can be the Holy Spirit or inward spirit as opposed to superficial expression and

power (δυναμις) is moral power rather than intellectual acuteness (cf. 1:18).

That your faith should not stand (ινα η πιστις υμων μη η). Purpose of God, but μη η is "not be" merely. The only secure place for faith to find a rest is in God's power, not in the wisdom of men. One has only to instance the changing theories of men about science, philosophy, religion, politics to see this. A sure word from God can be depended on.